New Trafficking in Persons National Action Plan released

The new Trafficking in Persons National Action Plan (the Plan) has been released, setting out New Zealand’s approach to preventing trafficking in persons, protecting victims and survivors, and strengthening the country's collective response to this serious crime over the next 5 years.

Trafficking in persons is a serious crime that exploits vulnerable people and can have significant impacts on individuals, families, and communities.

Trafficking can take many forms, including:

• forced labour
• forced criminality
• sexual exploitation
• coerced marriage, and
• domestic servitude.

Trafficking often occurs out of public view, making it difficult to identify and respond to.

The new Plan recognises that effectively preventing and responding to trafficking in persons requires a coordinated effort across government, businesses, community organisations, international partners, and those working directly with vulnerable people.

Developed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) with input from a range of government and non-government stakeholders, the Plan provides a framework for strengthening New Zealand's response to trafficking in persons.

The Plan is guided by 4 key pillars: partnership, protection, prevention, and prosecution and enforcement.

It includes a programme of practical actions designed to:

• strengthen New Zealand's ability to prevent, identify and respond to trafficking in persons
• support earlier identification of harm
• improve support for victims
• strengthen partnerships, and
• create a more coordinated national response to help ensure offenders are held to account.

Trafficking in persons can affect people of any age, nationality, or background. Understanding the signs of exploitation and knowing where to seek help are important steps in preventing harm and protecting vulnerable people. By working together and committing to the actions outlined in the Plan, New Zealand can continue to strengthen its response to trafficking in persons and support lasting change.

Read the Trafficking in Persons National Action Plan and learn more about New Zealand's response to trafficking in persons:

Trafficking in Persons National Action Plan — Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment